“I see that you appreciate a good horse when you see it,” Broin noted with pride. “These are the finest animals for a thousand miles. If those who pursue you want to catch you, they’ll need to grow wings.”
“Where on earth did you get such animals?” asked Lee.
“They’re bred on the northwestern steppes, by the nomadic tribes that dwell there. It wasn’t easy to get them to part with them; I’m proud to say that I’m the only man to ever leave with so many.”
“If our mission wasn’t so urgent, I could never accept,” Lee admitted. “You must at least allow me to pay you-though I don’t know that I have enough money.”
“You misunderstand,” said Broin. “I have no intention of giving up my horses. I expect you to return them when this is all over and the Dark Knight is defeated. But until then, they are yours to do with as you please.”
Lee smiled, overcome with the thought of such a generous gesture. “I shall take care of them until then,” he promised. “I hope one day I can talk you into taking another journey to the steppes with me, if only to see if I can pick one out for myself.”
“It would be a trip I would love to take.”
Millet readied one of the horses for Maybell. When the three were mounted, Lee handed Millet a small bundle of letters and nodded as if he had asked a silent question.
Millet reached down and took Lee’s hand. “All will be well,” he said reassuringly. “I’ll send word of our success.”
Malstisos rode up beside Lee. “I will look after your family. They will have my protection until I deliver them to your care.”
“Thank you,” said Lee, trying to force back tears of worry. “I am deeply in your debt.”
“You had better keep your word,” said Maybell as she admired her mount. “I will see the Temple of Valshara once this is done.”
“You don’t need to worry,” replied Lee. “You’ll see it if I have to carry you there on my back.”
Maybell tried to look angry, but seeing the worry on Lee’s face, she said instead, “I swear that I will not step foot in Valshara until your family is safe.”
Lee smiled and bowed. “Thank you, Sister. That means a lot to me.” He realized what a good idea it was to send Maybell. She would lay down her life if necessary to protect his family, and her knowledge of the cities and temples could be invaluable.
Gewey and the rest bid them farewell and watched as they rode toward the east gate. Once they were out of sight, Lee called everyone into the parlor.
“Thanks to Lord Broin’s generous loan,” Lee began, once they’d gathered, “we should be able to make it to Althetas in less than seven days. We’ll be moving fast. We have enough food and water for the whole journey, so we won’t need to stop for supplies along the way. Once we arrive, Dina will make contact with her order, and from there we should be safe.” His eyes focused on Gewey. “If anything happens and we’re separated, we’ll meet at the Frog’s Wishbone in Althetas. Wait there until I or someone from Dina’s order gets there.”
Dina stepped forward and pulled out her medallion so that Gewey could see it clearly. “If you are approached by anyone claiming to be in my order, make them show you this. Be sure to touch it. It should burn you. If it doesn’t, then that person is an imposter.”
“We need to be out of the city before sundown,” Lee continued. “It’s certain they’ll see us leave, so we must move fast once we’re beyond the gates.”
“I’ll send word ahead,” said Broin. “I have a messenger flock on the roof. I’ll instruct my friends in Althetas to aid you.”
“Thank you,” Lee replied. “That would be helpful.”
“The horses have been saddled and packed,” said Angus, sticking his head through the door.
Lee and the others went outside and double-checked their belongings. Once mounted, Lee looked at Lord Broin and nodded respectfully.
“Until we meet again,” said Broin. “Angus is watching the gate and will tell me if you are followed.” He stood just outside his door and watched as Lee and the others slowly made their way down the street.
The ride to the gate was tense, and no one spoke a word. As they approached the gate’s heavy metal doors, they saw Saylis Fernmen waiting for them. His head was bandaged, and his eyes were swollen and bruised.
Lee motioned for everyone to stop as he and Kaylia began scanning the alleys and rooftops for further trouble. Gewey put his hand on his sword, and Dina pulled out a small dagger.
“I thought I’d see you off,” called Saylis. Despite his words, his face was grim. “I want you to know that I’ll be there in the end, Starfinder. Mine will be the last face you ever see.” He shot Lee an angry look, then ducked down a nearby alley.
“He won’t try anything until we’re outside the gates,” Lee guessed, hoping he was right. “He may have set up an ambush. If that’s the case, I’ll handle it. The rest of you keep going and I’ll catch up. That means you, boy.” He looked straight at Gewey and didn’t look away until the boy nodded in agreement. “Don’t worry, I’ve had more capable men than this idiot think they could kill me. I’ll burn before I’d let scum like him be the end of me.”
They urged their horses on and passed through the west gate.
“Are you ready?” Lee asked to the others. They nodded. “Then let’s go.”
Lee booted his mount, and the horse broke into a run. Gewey and the others did the same, and they were off like bolts of lightning. Gewey had never ridden so fast. He could feel the sheer power of the animal beneath him, and it thrilled him. He smiled at the thought of anyone thinking they could catch them.
Chapter 25
Salmitaya tossed and turned in her bed. The dreams had gotten worse in the past few days. Since her return to Kaltinor, things had become troubled. The other temples had shunned her, even the ones who had once secretly aided her. She still had the governor and lords on her side, but their loyalty was bought. Should Angraal get word of her failure, she would lose everything; it was their gold that kept her in power.
“Maudina!” she yelled. A young girl scurried into the room, rubbing her eyes and trying not to yawn. Salmitaya had hired her to replace Celandine the day after she got back; she didn’t know what had happened to Celandine, but she swore to flay the girl if she returned.
“Yes, Your Holiness?” Maudina said meekly.
“I want some hot tea,” she ordered, sitting up in bed.
“Right away,” the girl replied, dashing off. Salmitaya got up and put on her slippers and a soft cotton robe. She hated the temple at night. The emptiness made her uneasy. The book she had been reading lay open on a small table next to a plush chair. Her thoughts kept returning to Gewey as she distractedly fingered through its pages.
‘Damn that boy,’ she thought. ‘If it’s the last thing I do, I’ll see him beg and scream.’
Several minutes passed and Maudina still had not brought the tea. “Blasted girl,” she muttered. “What’s taking so long?”
“You’ll not be needing a servant, my love,” came a deep voice from just outside the open door leading to the next room.
Salmitaya shot out of her chair. “Who are you?” she demanded. “Show yourself.”
In stepped a tall, lean man dressed in a black shirt and pants with polished silver buttons, paired with an exquisite jacket with impossibly intricate white embroidery. A fearsome curved sword hung from a belt that sat loosely around his thin waist. His face looked young, and his brown curly hair fell to his shoulder. In his hands was a tray with two cups of hot tea. He placed the tray on her bedside table and handed her one of the steaming cups.
“Sit down, my love,” he instructed as he pulled himself a chair from the corner. “We have much to discuss.”
Salmitaya was terrified as she sat back down. “Who are you?”
“You may call me Yanti,” he answered, smiling.
“Well, Yanti,” she said, trying her best to sound unafraid. “You have trespassed in the Temple of Ayliazarah.
